Men’s basketball scrapes by SIUE, 83-72

January 27, 2018 at 8:39 pm

The Belmont men’s basketball team came from behind on Saturday night, defeating Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 83-72 at the Curb Event Center.

Senior Austin Luke had a 25-point game, which included a huge three-pointer in the second half that gave the Bruins the lead and momentum to carry the team to its sixth straight victory.

Belmont and SIUE both played a tight half with no real leader, until the Cougars hit a buzzer-beater at the end of the half to go up 32-30.

Sophomore Seth Aldesperger, coming off an apparent injury from Thursday’s game, got hurt again and was escorted into the locker room before halftime. He returned to the bench with a boot on his left leg and crutches.

Freshman Nick Hopkins came in clutch with 11 points and a few go-ahead three-pointers in the second half to keep the Bruins in the lead.

Junior Kevin McClain also had a great game, putting up 23 points.

Belmont, heading into a five day break, will play four straight road games to start February. The Bruins will first take on Eastern Kentucky on Thursday, before returning home to face EKU again on Feb. 15.

– –

This article written by Steven Boero. Photos by Carina Eudy.

-----

Would you be interested in receiving important Belmont news via email? Enter your email address below to have important stories sent right to you!